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Smithfield Foods news is published quarterly by our Community Affairs program and is dedicated to the community outreach of Smithfield's Family of Companies ยป.
Smithfield Packing Company Achieves 100% USDA Process Verified Certification
Farmland Foods was honored with the 2006 Illinois Pork Producer Allied Industry Partnership Award at a ceremony in January at the Illinois Pork Expo in Peoria, IL.
The award was presented by the Illinois Pork Producers Association. It recognizes companies affiliated with the pork industry who have worked in partnership with IPPA to provide programs and services for the benefit of its members.
The Farmland plant in Monmouth has contributed to the overall success of the Pork Patio during the state fait by donating 2,500 pounds of loins. Farmland has also been a sponsor of the Illinois Pork Expo by sponsoring the Expo registration brochure.
The IPPA is an agricultural trade association representing more than 4,000 pork producers throughout Illinois. IPPA is comprised of county pork producer organizations in more than 40 counties throughout Illinois. IPPA is an affiliate of the National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board. IPPA provides producers with services that enhance profitability and preference for pork.
Smithfield and Cook's Ham
Smithfield Foods announced in late January that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of the Cook’s ham business from ConAgra Foods.
Cook’s, based in Lincoln, NE, is a producer of traditional and spiral sliced smoked bone-in hams, corned beef and other smoked meat items sold to supermarket chains and independent grocers throughout the United States and Canada. The company has manufacturing facilities in Lincoln, Grayson, KY, and Kansas City, MO with a total of 1,450 employees. Its annual sales are about $330 million.
Since its introduction by Cook Family Foods in 1983, Cook’s branded products have represented consistent quality, superior service, a focus on bone-in ham and sensitivity to customer needs. The company merged with ConAgra in 1988 and ultimately became the ConAgra Foods – Ham Business Unit.
Smithfield expects to complete the transaction during the fiscal fourth quarter, which ends April 30. Please join us in welcoming Cook’s Hams and all of its employees to the Smithfield family!